Free NCAA Hoops Pick: Ohio State vs. Rutgers CBB Odds
Looking for Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights NCAA basketball free picks & CBB odds? CBB betting sees the Buckeyes taking on the Scarlet Knights on Wednesday, February 9th, 2021, at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, NJ. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all college basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NCAA basketball predictions like this Buckeyes Scarlet Knights matchup.
2021 NCAA Basketball Handicapping
(14-5) Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (13-9)
Date: Wednesday, February 9th, 2021
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Jersey Mike’s Arena
CBB Betting ATS Odds: Buckeyes -3 / Knights +3 (Bet Now!)
CBB Moneyline Odds: Ohio State -110 / Rutgers +135
CBB Betting Total: O/U 140.5
Ohio State will be looking to stay within striking distance of first place in the Big Ten standings when it travels to Rutgers on Wednesday night.
The Buckeyes are currently in fifth place, but they are just one game back of conference-leading Illinois in the loss column. Rutgers needs a strong finish to the regular season if it wants to make a case for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has put itself in a position to make some noise down the stretch of the regular season. The Buckeyes are currently in line for a No. 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament, and they only face two ranked opponents the rest of the regular season.
Ohio State was on a three game winning streak before dropping a close one on the road at Purdue this past Sunday. The Buckeyes were down by 9 points at the half and made a solid comeback in the second half before falling 81-78. EJ Liddell and Malaki Branham both led the way offensively with 20 points apiece, they were the only players in double figures.
They are one of the best offensive teams in the country, ranked 6th nationally in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency ratings. Ohio State is shooting the ball very well, but it is also avoiding turnovers. There has not been a weakness for the Buckeyes on that end of the court, as their offensive rebounding numbers are decent as well.
Forward E.J. Liddell leads Ohio State with 19.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Guard Malakai Branham is also in double figures, averaging 10.5 points.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers got off to a slow start this season, winning just 5 of its first 10 games. The Scarlet Knights had a terrible stretch in November, losing consecutive contests to DePaul, Lafayette and UMass. They have actually been decent during conference play, winning 7 of their 12 games in B10 play.
The Scarlet Knights got their biggest win of their season last game out with a dominating 84-63 victory over #12 Michigan State. Rutgers shot extremely well as a team and finished 32/52 (61.5%) shooting from the field. Every player who saw double digit minutes finished in double digit scoring as well. Clifford Omoruyi and and Ron Harper Jr. led the way offensively with 17 points apiece.
Rutgers is not on the NCAA Tournament bubble right now, but it has a chance to make a statement with four straight games against ranked conference foes coming up.
The Scarlet Knights have struggled offensively, ranked No. 137 in adjusted efficiency. They are not shooting the ball well, sitting at No. 233 in effective field goal percentage. Their strengths offensively have been a low turnover rate and solid offensive rebounding numbers.
Forward Ron Harper Jr. leads Rutgers with 15.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Guard Geo Baker and center Clifford Omoruyi are both scoring in double figures as well.
CBB Betting Trends:
- Buckeyes are 2-3 ATS in their last 5 AWAY games
- Buckeyes are 2-3 SU in their last 5 AWAY games
- Buckeyes OVERS are 5-2 in their last 7 games
- Rutgers is 5-1 SU & ATS in their last 6 HOME games
- Rutgers O/U are 3-3 in their last 6 HOME games
Free Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights NCAAB Betting Prediction: Rutgers ML
Ohio State is not a particularly experienced team, so I do not mind fading the Buckeyes on the road. Rutgers has been excellent at home, winning 8 of its last 9 games at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The Scarlet Knights have momentum following their best performance of the season, blowing out Michigan State over the weekend.
Rutgers will also have a big height advantage on Wednesday, so they should win the rebounding battle. I expect some regression from Ohio State offensively on the road, as it is harder to shoot well in front of a raucous crowd.
Take the Scarlet Knights to win outright and keep their postseason hopes alive.
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